Union’s Bennett made a mistake passing on Alber

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Union College hockey coach Rick Bennett hasn’t made many mistakes while building the Dutchmen into a national contender.

Not recruiting defenseman Patch Alber out of Clifton Park was one of them.

Alber, now a Boston College senior, will play against the Dutchmen in an NCAA East Regional semifinal on Saturday night in Providence.

“You can chalk that one up to a bad decision by Rick Bennett,” said Bennett, using the third person. “That’s a real bad decision by Rick Bennett. I had a chance to see Patch play. We really liked his character … It was just one of those things you weren’t sure for defensemen what we were looking for at that time. I’m not going to throw it on the other staff. I’ll take credit for that one.”

Alber, who played for the Boston Jr. Bruins, recalled taking an unofficial visit to Union after his junior year of high school. But he said the coaching staff’s interest waned after that.

“It was a nice campus, and I remember being really impressed by it,” Alber said. “I guess in the end, it didn’t really work out, but I was thankful they showed interest early on.”

Alber said he sees Bennett over the summer when he comes home.

“He always kids me about it, saying he wished I came to Union,” Alber said. “He’s a great guy. I’m obviously disappointed I never played for him. But at the same time, I’m really happy with where I am now.”

That’s not surprising since Alber won a national title with the Eagles last year.